Microsoft SideWinder X6 Keyboard Review and Ratings

Editors’ Rating:

Our Verdict:
Thanks to its movable number pad, the Microsoft SideWinder X6 keyboard may be a dream come true for gamers who use lots of macros. Gamers not into macros should still appreciate the X6's gaming prowess. Read More…

What We Liked…

Even backlighting

Tons of macros

Swappable number pad

What We Didn’t…

No internal memory to store macros

Lacks USB, mic, and headphone ports

Microsoft SideWinder X6 Keyboard Review

Microsoft isn't a name often associated with gaming keyboards. Its previous effort was the Reclusa, which used design cues and technology from partner Razer, a peripheral maker known for all things gaming. But Microsoft now has its own bona fide keyboard for the gaming set, and it’s called the SideWinder X6.

You can tell that the designers put a lot of thought into the X6, starting with the unique number pad that can be moved to the right or left side of the keyboard. Hardcore gamers who like to use macros can put the number pad near their free hand and activate virtually all of the macros the X6 is capable of utilizing without removing their right hand from the mouse. The number pad is held in place by powerful magnets, so there is no fear of it coming unattached during intense gaming sessions.

The SideWinder X6 can store a massive amount of macros. The keyboard has 30 programmable keys with three profiles per key, for a total of 90 macros. Like most high-end gaming keyboards, the X6 allows you to record macros without leaving your game. To bind a macro to a key, simply press the Record button, press the key you want to use for the macro, and enter the keystrokes; once you’re done, press the Record button again and the process is complete. In addition to macro recording, the X6 also has a Cruise Control key. When pressed in conjunction with a second key, the second key is repeatedly activated until you stop it.

Backlighting on the main X6 keys is red, and on keys that can be programmed, it’s amber. The backlighting is very even across the entire keyboard, and a brightness control lets you set the glow to your preference. A second knob controls the volume of the computer’s sound system. Typing on the X6 feels as good as it does on Logitech or Razer keyboards, though not as perfect as on some non-gaming keyboards we’ve tried. Still, the keys have good tactile response and offer slight clicking aural feedback when pressed. The keyboard also offers a full array of media control keys.

On the downside, the X6 lacks convenient features like a USB hub and headphone and mic jacks. Lacking these keyboard ports isn’t a deal breaker, but most of today’s gaming keyboards have them. Unfortunately, the keyboard lacks any internal memory, which means that all macros are saved to your PC's hard drive. If you take the keyboard to use on another PC, your macros and profiles won’t travel with you.

The Microsoft SideWinder X6 is a very good gaming keyboard that more than holds its own against the established brands. If you are a big fan of macros, the X6 could very well be the perfect keyboard for you. If macros aren't your thing, there is still a lot to like with the X6.

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